Tuyere



Oct. 31, H. F. LAWRENCE TUYERE Filed NOV. 30, 1940 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 [fit/enter Howard FLau/re'nce Attorney Patented Oct. 31, 1944 236L777 TUYERE Howard F. Lawrence, Philadelphia, Pa., assignor,

by mesne assignments, to American Engineering Company, Philadelphia, Pa., a corporation l of Pennsylvania Application November 30, 1940, Serial No. 368,008

Claims. (01. 110-44) This invention. relates to stoker furnaces, and more particularly to the tuyres employed in such devices.

One object of the present invention is to provide a tuyere block construction adapted for assembly with similar tuyere blocks in stepped relation, which is so constructed that draft air is evenly distributed around the entire discharge end thereof.

Another object is to provide a tuyere block having novel locking mechanisms associated therewith which effectively secures the tuyere block in position.

A further object is to provide a novel mechanism associated with a tuyre block which enables ready replacement of a damaged member without requiring the removal of an entire stack of tuyere blocks.

A further object is to provide a generally improved and efiicient tuyere block which assures proper distribution of air to the fuel bed under all conditions of operation.

Other and further objects will become apparent as the description of the invention progresses.

Of the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view taken through one of the retorts of the stoker showing an. adjacent row of the tuyre block comprising the present invention.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged side elevational view of several tuyere blocks showing the locking devices for holding them in position.

Fig. 3 is a view of the bottom side of a tuyere block showing the construction of the air distributing means and of the locking means for holding the tuyere block in position.

Fig. 4 is a side elevational view of the tuyere block shown in Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a sectional view taken substantially along line 5--5 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 6 is a sectional view taken substantially along line fi -6 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a locking key for holding certain of the tuyere blocks in positherein. Stoker 2 is of the multiple retort underfeed type shown, for example, in Patent No. 1,443,202, and to which reference may be had for a detailed description thereof. Stoker 2 comprises a series of alternately disposed retorts 3 and tuyere rows 4. Fuel is fed to the retorts 3 by any suitable feeding mechanism (not shown), the fuel entering through an opening 3 provided in the front wall 5 of the furnace. The furnace I is bounded at the sides by walls 6, only one of which is shown. The fuel fed to the retorts 3 completely fills them and overflows onto the tuyere rows 4 provided adjacent thereto. In normal operations of the furnace a fuel bed of 2 or 3 feet in thickness is maintained. Fuel is underfed along the stoker by a series of pushers 1 provided at the bottom of each retort 3, the fuel being fed to dump plates or to an ash pocket (not shown) at the rear of the stoker in a well known fashion, from which it may be removed from time to time by any suitable mechanism.

As shown more particularly in Figs. 1 and 2, each tuyre row 4, comprises a series of substantially flat plate-like tuyere blocks 8 arranged in superimposed stepped relation. Each tuyere block comprises a relatively flat body portion 9 having a substantially rectangular air inlet end Ill and a substantially rounded discharge end H. Depending from each side of body portion 9 are a pair of supporting members 12, I2. Each supporting member I2 is flat at the bottom thereof, as shown at I 3 (Figs. 3 and 4) and terminates at the forwardly disposed end in an inclined supporting portion M, which in assembly rests upon the upper surface of a side plate l5 of the retorts 3. The side plates l5, l5, as will be observed upon reference to Figs. 1 and 2, incline downwardly from front to rear of the stoker.

When the terms front and rear are employed herein it is to be understood that the term "front indicates that portion of the member extending towardthe right (Fig. 1) or front wall 5 of the furnace, and when the term rear is employed that portion of the member extending toward the left or rear of the furnace is indicated.

As shown more particularly in Fig. 3, a rib I6 is provided substantially on the longitudinal center line of each tuyer block 8 near the discharge end ll thereof. A hook I! integral with and depending from the forward end of rib I6 is adapted in assembly to extend through the slot l8 of the next lower tuyere block of the series, and engages the rearwardly disposed wall l8 thereof, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. The slot i8 is open at the forward end thereof and is disposed in longitudinal alignment with hook IT, as shown more particularly in Fig. 3. Extending forwardly from hook ll are a pair of ribs l9. These ribs diverge slightly from hook IT, as

tively long ribs 25 are a series of shorter ribs 26.

It will be noted that the ribs 25 are substantially rounded at the inlet or right hand ends thereof and form substantially streamline abutments to the incoming draft air. These ribs diverge .toward the air discharge end H and thus define air passages having relatively restricted inlet ends and diverging side walls. The ribs 26 are of similar construction, they also being so arranged as to diverge toward the discharge end of the tuyre block and form with the ribs 25 a series of smaller passages having restricted inlet ends and diverging side walls. By this construction the air flowing through the various passages expands as it approaches the discharge end with the result that the velocity of the air discharging from the tuyre is relatively low. The left or discharge ends of the ribs are beveled, as shown at 21. The purpose of beveling these ribs is to keep the passages defined thereby open in the eventthatslag should drip over the discharge end of the tuyre block. A constant flow of air through all of the passages is thus assured and as a result the tuyre blocks will remain relatively cool during all conditions of operation.

As shown more particularly in Figs. 2, 5 and 6, the top edges of thestoker side plates 15, iii are each provided with an inwardly extending flange 30, thereby forming extended bearing surfaces for the inclined supporting portions M of the tuyere blocks 8. Secured to the inner faces of flanges 30, 30 are a series of spaced longitudinally extending lugs 3|, 3i which are adapted to be engaged by hooks 32, 32, secured to and depending from the body portion 9 adjacent the forwardly disposed ends of supporting members [2, l2 of the tuyere blocks 8. Supporting members i 2, 12 of each tuyre block 8 have provided therein longitudinally extending recesses 33, 33 which, as hereinafter more fully described, receive looking keys 34, 3 3. Recesses 33, 33 are slightly longer than the keys 34, 3d and the ends thereof form pockets 3 3, 33' at the sides of hooks 32, 32 (Figs. 3 5 and 6). Hooks 32, 32, together with the hooks I! previously described, rigidly secure the tuyere block in proper position.

In order to permit ready removal and replacement of the tuyre blocks in the event that damage occurs thereto, I have provided key members 34 at certain intervals in place of the lugs 3i. As shown in Fig. 1, these keys lock every sixth tuyre of each row in position. Each key 34 is substantially the same length as 9, lug 3i and has an offset portion 35 at one end which, as shown in Fig. 2, is adapted to engage over the forwardly disposed end of a tuyere block. Key 34 also has an offset portion 3% at the opposite end. which is adapted to be engaged by the hook 32 of the next higher tuyere block of the series and extends into a pocket 33. The surface 3? at one end of the key engages the forward edge of a tuyere block while the hook 32 of the next higher tuyre block of the series engages the opposite end 38. In this way proper spacing of the tuyere blocks is maintained and at the same time the tuyere blocks are effectively held in position.

To remove a damaged tuyere block the tuyere block held by keys 34 above and nearest to the damaged one is first removed. This is done by first urging the tuyere block forwardly slightly until its hook I? clears the rearwardly disposed wall 18' of its recess i8 and the oifset portion 35 clears the end of the next lower tuyere block. The keys 35 will then gravitate out of recesses The keys 34 will move forwardly by this action since the walls 33 of the recesses 33 will engage the end of offset portion 35 thereof. The tuyere block is then urged upwardly until the hook i! clears the upper surface of the next lower tuyere block when it is simply moved rearwardly out of position. There is sufficient clearance between the tuyere blocks to permit the slight upward movement necessary for the hook ill to clear its recess H3. The tuyere blocks below the one just removed may then be removed one by one by simply sliding them forwardly to disengage the hooks I! and 32, and then lifting them out of position. This is repeated until the damaged tuyere block is reached. A new tuyere block may then be substituted for the damaged one and the others may then be inserted in place in the usual manner, the tuyre block to be held in position by the keys 34 being the last inserted in position. Before this last mentioned tuyere block is inserted in position keys 3d are placed in the recesses 33, the ends 36, 36 thereof extending into the pockets 33', 33 and into engagement with the hooks 32, The tuyere block is then moved forwardly between the tuyere block disposed above and below it, until. the inclined supporting portions l4 engage the supporting plates l2, l2. When the tuyere block has reached this position the end surfaces 31 of the keys 3 will have cleared the end of the next lower tuyre block, the said keys will then move downwardly, the offset portion 35 falling into engagement with the upper surface of the next lower tuyere block. By this time hook I! will have cleared the rearward wall N3 of recess I8 of the next lower tuyere block of the series. Now by movement of the tuyre block slightly rearwardly the parts will assume the position shown in Figs. 1 and 2 and upward, as well as further movement to the rear will be prevented. The movement of the fuel toward the rear during operation of the furnace has a tendency to maintain the tuyere blocks 8 in the position shown in Figs. 1 and 2.

The tuyre blocks themselves are provided with three locking hooks for securely holding them in position. However, in the event that one or more of the tuyre blocks should become damaged it is unnecessary to remove an entire row of tuyeres to get at the damaged tuyre blocks, since by securing certain tuyeres in position by removable keys, only a very few of the blocks need be removed in order to make the necessary replacements. Applicant has shown every sixth tuyre block to be held in position by removable keys 34. It is understood, however, that a fewer or a greater number of the tuyere members in each row may be held in position by keys, if it is so desired, Without departing from the invention.

In some installations the hooks El may be en tirely dispensed with. A construction of this character is shown in Fig. 8 wherein it will be noted that the tuyre block 8 shown therein is provided only with a pair of hooks 32, similar to the hooks 32 of the tuyres shown in Figs. 1 to 6, the hooks I! being dispensed with. In in stallations of this kind the removal of the tuyere members held in position by keys is facilitated since it is apparent that when the tuyre has been so moved as to cause the keys 34 to drop out of position the tuyere member may be moved rearwardly out of position without first raising it, as was done in the previous case. This ma be accomplished since it will be seen that the hooks 32 do not extend below the lower extremity of the tuyere block.

From the foregoing description it is seen that highly desirable tuyere block constructions have been provided. By employing the locking lugs 3! on the tuyre supporting plates l5, I5 each tuyere block is maintained in its proper position with respect to these supports. By this construotion the tuyere blocks do not creep toward the lower end of the stoker but remain in proper position at all times. It is also seen that damaged tuyere blocks may be readily removed and replaced by new ones.

While the embodiments herein shown and described are admirably adapted to, fulfill the objects primarily stated, it is to be understood that the invention may be embodied in other forms. all coming within the scope of the claims which follow.

What is claimed is:

1. In a device of the class described, the combination of a series of tuyre blocks arranged in Superimposed stepped relation, supportin means for said tuvere blocks comprising a pair of spaced verticall disposed plates, hook means depending from each of said tuyere blocks and adapted to lockingly engage the next lower tuyre block of a series for retaining one end thereof against vertical displacement, interlocking means on said tuyer blocks and said supporting plates for retaining the other end of said tuyre blocks against vertical, as well as lateral displacement said last each of said tuyre blocks adaptedto interlock with the next lower tuyre block of the series.

4. In a device of the class described, the combination of a series of tuyre blocks disposed in superimposed relation, spaced supporting members for said tuyere blocks, spaced lugs provided on said supporting members, hooks provided on said tuyere blocks adapted to lockingly engage said lugs to hold one end of said tuyre blocks against vertical movement, said parts being so disposed that engagement of said hooks with said lugs is effected by a slight downward movement of said tuyre blocks along said supporting members, and disengagement of said hooks from said lugs is efiected by a slight upward movement of said tuyre blocks along said supporting members, and said hooks being disposed within the confines of said tuyre blocks proper, whereby when said hooks are disengage-d from said lugs the said tuyre blocks may be moved longitudinally relative to adjacent tuyre blocks.

5.-In a device of the class described, the combination of a series of tuyre blocks disposed in superimposed relation, spaced supporting memsaid parts being so disposed that engagement of mentioned means comprising a series of spaced lugs provided on each of said plates, and hooks depending from each of said tuyre blocks adapted to engage said lugs.

2.. In a device of the class described, the combination of a series of tuyre blocks disposed in superposed relation, space-d supporting members for said tuyre blocks, spaced lugs provided on said supporting members. and hooks provided on said tuyre blocks adapted to engage said lugs to hold one end of said tuyre blocks against vertical and lateral movement, said parts being so d sposed that engagement of sa d hooks with said said tuyre blocks along said supporting members, and disengagement of said hooks from said lugs is effected by a slight upward movement of said tuyere blocks along said supporting members.

3 In a device of the class described, the combination of a series of tuyre blocks disposed in superimposed relation, spaced supporting members for said tuyere blocks, spaced lugs provided on said supporting members, hooks provided on said tuyre blocks adapted to lockingly enga e said lugs to hold one end of said tuyere blocks against vertical movement, said parts being so disposed that engagement of said hooks with said lugs is effected by a slight downward move ment of said tuyere blocks along said supporting members, and disengagement of said hooks from said lugs is efiected by a slight upward movement of said tuyre blocks along said supporting members, and additional locking means provided on said hooks with said lugs is effected by a slight downward movement of said tuyre blocks along said supporting members, and disengagement of said hooks from said lugs is effected by a slight upward movement of said tuyre blocks along said supporting members, said hooks being disposed within the confines of said tuyere blocks proper, whereby when said hooks are disengaged from said lugs the said tuyre blocks may be moved relative to adjacent tuyre blocks, and removable key means extending between said hooks and the forward ends of the next loyer tuyre blocks of the series enabling ready removal of the tuyre blocks held in position by said keys, and of the'tuyere blocks disposed immediately therebelow.

6. In a device of the class described, the combination of a series of tuyere blocks disposed in superimposedrelation, spaced supporting members for said tuyere blocks, spaced lugs provide-d on said supporting members, hooks provided on said tuyere blocks adapted to lockingly engage said lugs to hold said tuyere blocks in position, said parts being so disposed that engagement of a h ks t l fie a slgh lugs is effected by a slight downward movement of 5 1d 00 W h sald ups is e cted by 1 t downward movement of said tuyere blocks along said supporting members, and disengagement of said hooks from said lugs is eiiected by a slight upward movement of said tuyre blocks along said supporting members, said hooks being disposed within the confines of said tuyre blocks proper, whereby when said hooks are disengaged from said lugs the said tuyere blocks may be moved relative to adjacent tuyere blocks, removable key means extending between said hooks and the forward ends of the next lower tuyre blocks of the series enabling ready removal of the tuyre blocks held in position by said keys, and of the tuyre blocks disposed immediately therebelow, each of said keys having an offset portion at each end thereof, one of said offset portions overlapping a corresponding hook on one of said tuyres, and the other oifset portion overlapping the forward end of the next lower tuyre block of the series, abutment means depending from said offset portions, one of said abutment means engaging said hook and the other of said abutment means engaging the said forward end of the next lower tuyere block, thereby properly spacing said tuyre blocks, and said keys being adapted to be removed by simply moving the said tuyre blocks so as to cause said hooks to move away from the forward end of the next lower tuyre block a distance sufficient to disengage the offset portion thereof from the forward end of the said next lower tuyere block whereby the said keys will gravitate out of position and permit removal of the tuyre blocks held in position thereby.

'7. In a device of the class described, the combination of a series of tuyre blocks disposed in superimposed relation, spaced supporting members for said tuyere blocks, spaced lugs provided on said supporting members, hooks provided on said tuyere blocks adapted to lockingly engage said lugs to hold said tuyre blocks in position, said parts being so disposed that engagement of said hooks with said lugs is effected by a slight downward movement of said tuyre blocks along said supporting members, and disengagement of said hooks from said lugs is effected by a slight upward movement of said tuyre blocks along said supporting members, said hooks being disposed within the confines of said tuyere blocks proper, whereby when said hooks are disengaged from said lugs the said tuyere blocks may be moved relative to adjacent tuyere blocks, removable key means extending between said hooks and the forward ends of the next lower tuyre blocks of the series enabling ready removal of the tuyre blocks held in position by said keys, and of the tuyere blocks disposed immediately therebelow, each of said keys having an ofiset portion at each end thereof, one of said ofiset portions overlapping a corresponding hook on one of said tuyere blocks, and the other offset portion overlapping the forward end of the next lower tuyere block of the series, abutment means depending from said offset portions, one of said abutment means engaging said hook and the other of said abutment means engaging the said forward end of the neXt lower tuyere block thereby properly spacing said tuyre blocks, said keys being adapted to be removed by simply moving the said tuyre blocks so as to cause said hooks to move away from the forward end of the next lower tuyere block a distance sufiicient to disengage the offset portion thereof from the forward end of the said next lower tuyere block whereby the said keys will gravitate out of position and permit removal of the tuyre blocks held in position thereby, and each of said tuyre blocks having enlarged recesses provided therein for receiving said keys.

8. A tuyre block for stoker furnaces adapted to comprise one of a series disposed in superimposed stepped relation, comprising a relatively flat body portion having a substantially rectangular air inlet end and an air discharge end, a supporting member provided at either side of said body portion, a series of ribs provided on said body portion between said supporting members defining a series of passages for draft air, a pair of locking hooks provided adjacent said supporting members adapted to lockingly engage lugs on supports for said tuyere block, and said hooks being disposed within the confines of said tuyere block whereby said tuyere block may be moved relatively to adjacent tuyre blocks.

9. A tuyere block for stoker furnaces adapted to comprise one of a series disposed in superimposed stepped relation, comprising a relatively flat body portion having a substantially rectangular air inlet end and an air discharge end, a supporting member provided at either side of said body portion, a series of ribs provided on said body portion between said supporting members defining a series of passages for draft air, a pair of locking hooks provided adjacent said supporting members adapted to lockingly engage lugs on supports for said tuyere block, and said hooks being disposed within the confines of said tuyere block whereby said tuyere block may be moved relatively to adjacent tuyere blocks, and said tuyere block having an enlarged recess provided in each of said supporting members adapted to receive a locking key.

10. A tuyere block for stoker furnaces adapted to comprise one of a series disposed in superimposed stepped relation, comprising a relatively fiat body portion having a substantially rectangular air inlet end and an air discharge end, a supporting member provided at either side of said body portion, a series of rib-s provided on said body portion between said supporting members defining a series of passages for draft air, a pair of locking hooks provided adjacent said supporting members adapted to lockingly engage lugs on supports for said tuyere block, said hooks being disposed within the confines of said tuyere block whereby said tuyere block ma be moved relatively to adjacent tuyre blocks, said tuyere block having an enlarged recess provided in each 4 of said supporting members adapted to receive a 

